Warning: One of Our Favorite Disney World Locations Will Shut Down This Spring
Disney World is undergoing a massive wave of refurbishments and closures, with some of the most beloved attractions temporarily shutting down for updates.
If you’ve visited recently, you’ve probably noticed construction walls up in several spots, from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT and beyond. Right now, Astro Orbiter is closed for an extensive refurbishment, leaving Tomorrowland without one of its most unique attractions. Over in Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also out of commission, making the already limited ride selection in that area feel even smaller.
And the changes don’t stop there. EPCOT’s Test Track is set to undergo a major overhaul, though Disney has yet to confirm exactly when it will go offline. Meanwhile, the biggest transformation is happening over at Animal Kingdom, where DinoLand U.S.A. is slowly being demolished to make way for the highly anticipated Tropical Americas expansion.
Fans of the area’s classic attractions like TriceraTop Spin and Dinosaur are watching as the land is dismantled in phases, and while new experiences themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones are on the horizon, it’s still bittersweet for those who have long loved the prehistoric theming.
With all these big changes happening, it’s easy to overlook some of the smaller closures—but for those planning a trip in May, a new one is now on the radar.
Disney has confirmed that Whispering Canyon Cafe, one of the most fun and unique dining experiences at Walt Disney World, will be closing its doors for a brief refurbishment.
Located inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Whispering Canyon Cafe is famous for its rowdy atmosphere, servers who play along with guests in hilarious ways, and its endless skillets of food. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple meal into an experience, making it a must-do for many visitors.
The refurbishment will begin on May 12, 2025, and last until May 21, 2025. While the closure is relatively short compared to some of the other ongoing projects at Disney World, it’s still a disruption for those who had planned to dine there during their vacation.
Guests looking for alternative dining options at Wilderness Lodge can check out Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Territory Lounge, or the Story Book Dining experience at Artist Point, but none of these quite capture the rowdy energy of Whispering Canyon Cafe.
While this is just a temporary change, it serves as another reminder that nothing at Disney stays the same for too long. With refurbishments happening across the parks, guests will need to keep an eye on what’s open and what’s not when planning their next trip.
